“Nope,” he chuckled, popping the p. The sound of his laughter, rich and warm, filled the car. “But I promise you’ll love it. Trust me?”

The question hung in the air, weighted with more meaning than just their destination. Fia found herself nodding, surprising herself with how much she did trust him. “If I must,” she sighed dramatically.

As they drove out of town and up the mountains, Fia found herself sneaking glances at Sayer. The morning light caught his profile, highlighting the strong line of his jaw. Had it always been so defined? Her eyes traced the curve of his lips, remembering how soft they felt against hers. And his strong hands on the steering wheel. She watched the play of muscles in his forearms as he turned the wheel, her mind wandering to less innocent ideas.

She thought back to the past several weeks, how attentive and caring he’d been during Vienna’s sleep struggles. The memory of him insisting she nap while he took care of everything during the day hours, the gentle way he’d stroke Vienna’s back to soothe her, the midnight bottles he’d prepare so Fia could hold Vienna... it all made her heart swell with affection.

“What?” Sayer asked, catching her staring.

Fia felt a blush creep up her cheeks at being caught. “Nothing,” she said, then paused. No, he deserved to know. “Just... thank you. For everything. You’ve been... incredible.”

His smile was soft, his eyes warm as they met hers for a brief moment before returning to the road. “You’re the one who was sleep deprived, Fia. We’re a team. You and Vienna... you’re my world now.”

The simple statement hit Fia like a tidal wave, washing away any lingering doubts. This man, who had stepped up in every way possible, who looked at her like she hung the moon even when she was exhausted and covered in spit-up... he was becoming her world too.

They arrived at a stunning hotel, its modern architecture blending seamlessly with the mountain landscape. He checked them in and the manager immediately came over to welcome them and walk them to their penthouse suite. Fia’s jaw dropped when she realized it was one of Sayer’s properties. “Sayer, this is...”

“This,” he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind as they gazed at the view from their suite’s balcony, “is just the beginning.” His breath tickled her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

They started with an incredible breakfast in their suite. Fia kept checking her phone, and true to their word, her friends were sending constant updates about Vienna.

“See?” Sayer said, showing her a video of Vienna giggling as Daisy made funny faces. “She’s having the time of her life. Probably wondering why we didn’t leave her with the fun aunties sooner.”

Fia laughed, feeling the last of her anxiety melt away. “You’re right. I guess I can relax and enjoy our day.”

“That’s the spirit,” Sayer grinned, raising his mimosa glass. “To us?”

“To us,” Fia echoed, clinking her glass against his. As she sipped the bubbly drink, she found herself getting lost in Sayer’s eyes, like sun-dappled forest leaves.

After breakfast, Fia was whisked away to the spa for a full-body treatment. When she emerged feeling like a new woman, Sayer was waiting by their private pool with cocktails and snacks.

“Hello, beautiful,” he said in a low rumble that made her entire body heat instantly, “your refreshments await.”

Fia laughed, accepting the drink. “Why thank you. You certainly know how to treat a girl.”

As they swam and lounged, the flirtatious banter between them intensified. Every accidental touch sent sparks through her body. Fia found herself hyper-aware of Sayer’s presence, the way water droplets clung to his eyelashes, the flex of his muscles as he swam.

“You know,” Sayer said, his voice low as he moved closer in the pool, backing Fia against the edge, “I’ve been wanting to do this all day.” He cupped her face, his thumb tracing her cheekbone, and kissed her deeply.

The kiss was everything - soft yet passionate, tender yet urgent. Fia felt it down to her toes, warmth spreading through her body that had nothing to do with the pool’s temperature. When they parted, both breathless, Fia couldn’t help but grin. “What took you so long?”

Sayer chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. “I was waiting for the perfect moment. Turns out, every moment with you is perfect.”

The sincerity in his voice made Fia’s heart soar. This wasn’t just attraction or chemistry - this was something deeper, something real.

Later, as she soaked in the bath Sayer had drawn for her, complete with rose petals and scented candles, Fia felt her eyes growing heavy. The day’s relaxation was catching up to her, washing away weeks of accumulated stress.

She emerged, wrapped in a fluffy robe, to find Sayer smiling softly at her. “Why don’t you take a quick nap?” he suggested, leading her to the bed. “We’ve got dinner plans later, and I want you refreshed and ready to be wowed.”

“You’ve already wowed me,” Fia murmured, fighting a yawn. “But a nap sounds heavenly.”

When she woke, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, she found a rack of stunning dresses waiting for her. As she gotready, applying her makeup and styling her hair, she noticed something familiar in the bathroom.

“Sayer!” she called out, her voice filled with surprise and delight. “Is this... my skincare line?”

He appeared in the doorway, looking sheepish but pleased. “I may have made some calls. Do you like it?”

Fia’s heart melted at the thoughtful gesture. “I love it. I can’t believe you did all this. You remembered every product I use.”